Machipongo, VA - United Poultry Concerns is urging a company called
Blue Square to cancel its plan to "race" twelve turkeys on December
12, 2002 at Greyhound Stadium in South London. UPC spoke today on the
phone to Blue Square press officer Ed Pownall who said he would
convey our objection to this "race" intended to be shown live on the
internet at www.bluesq.com.

Blue Square's news release, "Christmas dinners on the run," shows a
spirit of derision and cruel-heartedness towards the defenseless
birds. Turkeys bred for the meat industry have dysfunctional bodies
and painful skeletal disorders making it difficult for them to walk
normally, let alone run. These sensitive birds can become easily
frightened with so many strikes against them imposed by thoughtless
people, of which this proposed "race" is a prime example.

Blue Square's news release says "feathers will fly." What does this
mean exactly? It says, "anything could happen on the night" of the
running. What do they mean? Is Blue Square counting on the birds
having an accident and getting hurt? Do they plan to do something to
the birds to get some "action shots" in order to hype this sordid
event?

United Poultry Concerns respectfully requests that Blue Square take
the twelve turkeys to a sanctuary and film the birds being gently
received by compassionate people. We urge Blue Square not to suggest
to the public that these birds should have to "perform" some abject
stunt in order to be saved from a miserable slaughter. We have
requested a response from Blue Square as to whether they will show
compassion and civility to these birds who have done them no harm.
Turkeys do not "race" unless prodded and inspired with fear. We are
asking Blue Square to show kindness and mercy, and to teach kindness
and mercy.

United Poultry Concerns is a nonprofit organization that
promotes the compassionate and respectful treatment of domestic fowl.
For more information visit www.UPC-online.org